Base Camp ... Children ' s Cancer Foundation
MISSION : Our mission is to provide a year-round series of programs for children and families facing the challenge of living with cancer , and other life-threatening , hematology related illnesses .
come out the other side , gives children confidence that they are not alone , and that they can get through this challenging time . We encourage children to support each other and offer one another encouragement that they alone can provide . It is amazing to see the relationships that have developed from these monthly outings .
>> THE ISSUES THAT WE FACE
Since 1982 , we have served Central Florida children and families . BASE Camp has strived to help with the day- today challenges that children and families face . It is our goal to be a consistent presence that families can rely on . We support our families long-term , throughout their journey .
These devastating illnesses affect the entire family , not just the patient . When a child is diagnosed for example , their siblings often feel anxiety or fear that they too may become ill . Siblings sometimes feel guilty , because they can still participate in their favorite sports and activities . Siblings can also express jealousy , because the “ sick child ” is receiving more of mom or dad ’ s time and attention . The “ well child ” is often overwhelmed trying to cope with the serious illness of a sibling . Our goal is to help the patient to heal , and to help and support the siblings in their pain and suffering . BASE Camp understands these issues and provides a monthly program where siblings along with the patient enjoy activities together . Our activities allow the sibling to accompany the patient ; if the patient is not able to attend the activity , the sibling is encouraged to attend .
Children face tremendous challenges when a parent is diagnosed with cancer . Children are very perceptive . When Mom or Dad is suddenly hospitalized , or bed-ridden and not able to perform their normal tasks , children understand right away that something serious has happened . They can become frightened and confused . There are “ support groups ” for adults . BASE Camp outings are a “ support group for kids ”. Children are given an opportunity to spend time with other children that share their “ journey ”.
Having the chance to talk to another child that is going through the same experience , or has gone through it and
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When a child is diagnosed with cancer , nothing else matters . One parent expressed it as feeling as if “ the floor had caved in ”. Parents are suddenly thrown into a world of doctors , diagnoses and medical procedures . Oftentimes this happens in a matter of days , not giving the parents a chance to catch their breath . Parents are often frightened , confused and angry . Our mission is to be a consistent source of support for parents . BASE Camp understands that parents need information and support groups where they can talk with other parents that share their same illnesses . Parents also need a “ shoulder to cry on ”, a place where they can talk to others that understand what they are going through . Connecting with another family that has survived their illness is a tremendous encouragement ; finding another family to lend support surpasses cultural differences . These relationships help the family to “ keep moving forward ” giving them positive energy to complete the journey .
Adding to the stress of having a child with a life-threatening illness , families face a tremendous financial burden . Chemotherapy treatments for a child with cancer can last up to 36 months or more . Some treatments for hematology illnesses can be life-long . Many times , one parent must stop working while their child is on treatment . The financial challenges are even more difficult when the child is raised by a single parent . BASE Camp programs provide financial support for families at this critical time . We help families pay bills . It is our goal to provide REAL and MEANINGFUL Patient Aid to any family who needs it , so that they can stop worrying about bills and focus on getting well .
>> WHAT DOES BASE CAMP MEAN ?
BASE Camp has two meanings ; first it is an acronym for Believe , Achieve , Support and Educate . The second meaning is symbolic of the encampments found at the BASE of a mountainside where climbers can stop for rest , first aid , nourishment and encouragement along their journey up the mountainside . We at BASE Camp believe CANCER is a similar journey in the life of a child , and serve as the encampment where they and their family can come for help throughout that journey .
>> WHO WE SERVE CHILDREN FACING CANCER AND THEIR SIBLINGS …
At BASE Camp , we include the child patient , during AND AFTER treatment has ended . We believe cancer effects the whole family and include the siblings in ALL our activities . Our members are of all races and religions . We presently serve over 300 children currently on treatment AND their